Name of coach: Pat McCormack
Name of LTP program: Lil' Kings Learn to Play
About the coach: McCormack started playing hockey on the ponds of New England about 1960. He played through high school despite a serious head-on motorcycle crash. He worked with his father until 1976 when he embarked on a three-month motorcycle ride that brought him to "the other side of the island." Pat played Adult Division 1 Hockey for a short time, and in 2002 began coaching at Easy Street Ice Arena which later became known as Iceoplex Simi Valley.
He is the head coach of Ventura Mariners InHouse Hockey and the Director of InHouse Hockey at Iceoplex. He was instrumental in the development the Lil' Kings program for the Los Angeles Kings, which he's been told is now used as a model for similar programs nationwide. Mariners InHouse Hockey has more than doubled in enrollment under his direction. It has been recognized by USA Hockey and the NHL as being one of the most successful programs in North America. He credits its success to the awesome families.
"My goal is to help create productive, self-reliant and confident adults", Pat said.
About the program: McCormack was instrumental in the creation and development of the Lil' Kings program for the Los Angeles Kings before it even had that name. He further developed the program and strengthened the relationship between Iceoplex and the Kings. This led to the official naming of the program as Lil' Kings.
He knows that the program provides an opportunity for youth in the community to easily enter a wholesome, healthy and welcoming activity. It also offers a new chance to meet a new group of like-minded kids with whom they often make lifetime friends. Parents have also developed lifelong friendships!
Donation meaning: The Lil' Kings program is the easy entry into the "Best Sport on the Planet." It's also the feeder program for the Ventura Mariners Hockey Program. These additional funds will help us provide equipment that will enhance the players' experience and increase retention even further.
